When they entered the living area, Cam stood next to the fireplace with the other betas dotted around the room. Gareth’s whole focus zeroed in on Cam; his heart pounded and his breath caught in his throat.
Without thinking he gripped Alec’s wrist. “Is it always like this?” he whispered.
Alec tugged him back a little into the hallway, even though everyone was aware he’d arrived. “It can be.” He gripped Gareth’s shoulder hard, claws breaking the skin enough to capture Gareth’s attention and snap his gaze away from Cam. “Focus.”
Gareth gasped at the sharp pain and was just about to offer Alec a nod of thanks for helping him, when Alec muttered, “Oh shit.”
An angry roar filled the room, and then Alec’s hand was gone—along with the rest of him as he hit the far wall.
Cam took his place, concern etched in his features as he tugged Gareth’s T-shirt aside to inspect the damage.
Stunned, Gareth opened his mouth, but no words came out because what the fuck was that?
“You okay?” Oblivious to the four betas watching wide-eyed from the living room, Cam traced his fingers over the now-healed puncture wounds that Alec’s claws had caused.
Gareth swallowed thickly, his whole body thrumming under Cam’s gentle touch. “I’m fine.” The roughness of his voice brought a flush to his cheeks. Their eyes met, and Gareth’s stomach dropped at Cam’s hungry expression. A thousand butterflies took flight inside him, and only Alec’s voice stopped him from grabbing Cam and kissing him.
“Fuck, sorry.” They both turned to look at where he now leant against the wall, dusting off his clothes. “In hindsight, that was an incredibly stupid thing to do.”
For a second, Cam closed his eyes and rested his forehead against Gareth’s. It was the single most perfect moment of Gareth’s life so far: Cam’s breath gently washing over him, his hands still touching Gareth as though he was something to be treasured. He could bask in that moment forever.
But then with a sigh, Cam stepped back and gave Alec a pointed look. “It wasn’t one of your better ideas, no.” Turning to Gareth, he said. “Come on. I suspect we have some explaining to do.”
Gareth followed Cam into the living room, still in a state of shock. What did Cam intend to explain exactly? Had he decided what he wanted to do? If it wasn’t good news, Gareth really didn’t want to hear it first in front of his peers.
But after that display, how can it be bad?
Cam stood in the centre of the room, facing the others, while Gareth leant against the wall just behind him and Alec remained at the back. At least he didn’t look worse for wear after Cam’s manhandling. Four pairs of eyes flicked from Cam to Gareth, then back again. “I know you’re not blind, so I’ll make this quick and we can move on to why we’re here. And just to be clear, this isn’t something that’s up for discussion, but it is something I think you have a right to know about, as my betas. Needless to say, this goes no further at this point in time.”
Everyone nodded and Gareth’s heart rate kicked into overdrive.
Gesturing to Gareth with his hand, Cam said, “Gareth and I have a potential bond.” After the display with Alec, there were no shocked murmurings. This was more a clarification of something they already suspected. “As you can imagine, things are… complicated.”
That brought a few smiles, but Gareth’s wasn’t one of them. His fingers curled into loose fists as he waited for what else Cam had to say.
Cam shot him a look, hard to decipher. “With everything going on in the pack, we haven’t yet decided what to do. So emotions between Gareth and I are a little turbulent, to say the least.” A soft smile appeared, and this time Gareth returned it.
That wasn’t a no.
He sensed a hundred questions on everyone’s lips, but Cam raised a hand before any could be asked. “As I said before, this isn’t up for discussion. We don’t require anyone’s thoughts or opinions, even though I’m aware either outcome will have some effect on you and this pack. This is something we need to work out on our own, and let the consequences be what they may. But—” He glanced around the room, oozing calm and reassurance. “Once a decision is made, then we will absolutely work together to ensure the pack doesn’t suffer.
Gareth bristled, not sure he liked the idea of everyone being involved in his business. But then that’s what you got for falling for the alpha.
And he hadn’t said no.
That was the important part of that whole speech. Hope flared thick and strong in his chest, and Cam looked over at him again.
Can he feel that?
School had taught Gareth the basics of how a potential bond worked—but each one was slightly different depending on the people involved. All he knew for certain was that he wanted Cam with every fibre of his being. Not touching him made his teeth ache and his fingers itch to be buried in his thick black hair.
Cam’s eyes darkened and he continued to hold Gareth’s gaze. No one else existed in that moment, and Gareth was about to push off the wall and go to him when Jason’s throat clearing brought him to his senses.
With what looked as much reluctance as Gareth felt, Cam tore his gaze away and faced the rest of his betas, while Gareth struggled to catch his breath. “There are two things I want to sort out today.” He turned his attention to Jason and Paul. “Have you had any thoughts on a possible beta?”
Jason glanced at Paul, then spoke. “Actually, we have.” He shot a quick glance at Alec, which made Gareth frown in confusion. “She’s not part of a unit as such, so it’s not a promotion and isn’t the way betas are normally chosen. But I’ve spoken to some members of my unit about it, and I think under the circumstances, she’d be perfect for the role.”
Ahh, that would explain his glance at Alec. Gareth wondered if Mark had mentioned anything to him. From his look of surprise, he’d guess not.
Cam raised an eyebrow. “Who is it you’ve got in mind?”
“Jennifer Farley. Will Farley’s sister.” He straightened his shoulders as if expecting Cam to object, but he just motioned for Jason to go on. “She wasn’t one of Wes’s unit before, but I think Davies and the others would respond well to her because she knows first-hand some of what happened with Wes and Newell.”
“Because Wes kidnapped her and held her hostage.” Alec’s tone was like ice. Mark’s cousin Harry had been with her, and keeping them safe had nearly cost Mark his life.
Jason swallowed but didn’t back down. “I know that it’s still a sore point for you, and I apologise for bringing it up, but I do think she’s the only one that might get through to them. Anyone else we choose will be fighting a losing battle from day one, because Davies is convinced Newell was treated harshly. But Jennifer knows otherwise.”
The room was silent as they all processed what Jason had just said and waited for Cam to speak.
Instead of answering straight away, Cam walked over to the window and glanced out at the street. Gareth had the strongest urge to go to him and rub a hand along his back, but he stayed put.
After a tense minute or so, where everyone in the room seemed to hold their breath, Cam glanced back over his shoulder at Jason and smiled. “I think it’s an inspired choice. If she’s willing?”
Jason’s smile was huge. “Paul and I already spoke with her, to test the water. To say she was keen would be putting it mildly. I told her about Davies and the others visiting the prison, and she’s eager to do whatever she can to undo Newell’s hold over them.”
Cam turned to the rest of his betas. “Thoughts?”
Alec spoke next. “She has no experience of working in a unit. Is that correct?”
“That’s true,” Jason offered. “But both Paul and I are more than willing to help her out.”
“Hmm.” Alec ran a hand through his hair, thinking. “As long as she’s not afraid to ask for assistance when required, then I think you’re right. She stands a better chance than most at getting through to those idiots.”
Both Mike and Daryl co
ncurred, and then all eyes were cast Gareth’s way. He fidgeted under the sudden attention. After the way the meeting had started out, he’d been more than happy to stay quiet. But as a pack beta, he didn’t have that luxury. “I agree. But what happens if they refuse to listen to her? It’s not like they haven’t heard the same story from countless other people. So far they’ve chosen to ignore it.”
Cam moved back to the centre of the room. “Hopefully the fact that she was a member of P-pack and was there, in the midst of it all, will hold some sway.” He sighed. “If not then we’ll have another decision to make.” From the look on his face, Gareth didn’t think that would be a particularly pleasant one. “But for now, let’s concentrate on making sure it doesn’t come to that. Which brings me to the second thing I wanted to discuss.”
He waited until he had everyone’s full attention again. “I want you to stop trying to find out why they’re going to see Newell and Wes at the prison.”
A chorus of “What?” and “Why?” filled the room, and Cam raised a hand, quietening them all. “We’re all part of the same pack now. As far as we’re aware, they aren’t doing anything wrong by visiting the prison. Hounding them for information could fuel their belief that Newell is somehow innocent and serve to further alienate them. While there’s no indication that they plan to do anything to hurt the pack, as much as it irks me on both a personal and pack level, I won’t single them out for special treatment.”
Alec rose to his feet. “But—”
“No, Alec. Just because we don’t like what they’re doing, doesn’t give us a right to force them to stop or make them disclose the nature of their visits. It’s just not the way we do things in this pack. And I refuse to let Newell change that from fucking prison!” His voice rose at the end, making the ensuing silence that much more pronounced.
Gareth was the one to break it, unease creeping up his spine because he knew the answer before he even asked the question. “What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to visit with both Wes and Newell on Monday.”
Everyone spoke at once. Alec was the loudest. “But—”
“I’ve already emailed Governor Fleck and arranged a time. With the full moon out of the way, maybe we can talk like civilized people and I won’t be tempted to rip anyone’s throat out.”
That image sent an inappropriate shiver down Gareth’s spine. For fuck’s sake. He closed his eyes for a moment, praying that no one else noticed. Explaining that the thought of Cam and violence turned him on wasn’t something he wanted to be doing.
Thankfully, Alec refused to let this go, so the room’s attention swung back and forth between him and Cam. “I’ll go with you,” he stated, arms crossed and looking ready to fight for this.
“No.”
“Why the fuck would you want to go see that bastard on your own?” Alec roared. “I don’t care how many guards he has surrounding him; I don’t trust him not to try something.”
Gareth agreed with every word, but somehow with the way things were between them, saying so aloud in front of everyone else felt wrong. Like he wasn’t being supportive.
Thank fuck for Alec.
Cam didn’t so much as flinch at Alec’s tone. “I understand what you’re saying, Alec. But you’re forgetting one very important thing.”
“And what’s that?”
Cam’s smile verged on predatory, and Gareth had to look away. “I’m still an alpha. While Newell is not.”
Ohhh. Of course the council had stripped Newell of his alpha status and all the power that went with it. Gareth had totally forgotten about that, and by the looks of it, so had everyone else.
Or maybe not everyone.
Alec wore the same expression as before. “I’m aware of that. But I still say it’s an unnecessary risk.”
“Noted. But as an alpha of one of the largest packs in the city, I’d like to think I can handle myself against a shifter who’ll be both restrained and under guard.” Cam’s tone held a sense of finality to it, and whatever Alec took from that last sentence, he seemed to back down.
“Can I at least accompany you to the prison itself?”
Cam nodded. “Of course. I would appreciate it if you and some of your unit drove me there.”
“I’ll arrange it.” Alec seemed slightly mollified by that, but Gareth could see the rigid way he held himself. He was so not happy.
It was on the tip of Gareth’s tongue to offer to go too, or maybe insist, because he wasn’t too happy about the whole thing either. But Alec handled security, normally Gareth wouldn’t even question it.
But now?
The thought of Cam going anywhere near that prison made him gnash his teeth.
He’s mine.
I need to protect him.
Except he wasn’t.
Gareth closed his eyes for what seemed like the hundredth time that day and tried to will away the frustration at not being able to act on his instincts.
This was all so fucking hard.
CAM SPENT the next twenty minutes hashing out details about his prison visit and organising Jenn’s promotion to beta. Gareth stayed leaning against the wall, listening to everything they discussed but not really taking part. It took all his restraint not to growl every time Cam mentioned Newell’s name.
Whether Cam sensed his anxiety or not, he let Gareth remain where he was and didn’t try to engage him in the discussions. A few concerned glances were directed his way, but on the whole, everyone let him be.
By general consensus, Jenn would have her beta ceremony after the full moon. Her new unit would be more amenable a few days after their run, rather than before. Well, that was the theory. Gareth had an idea they’d be resistant to anyone taking over what used to be Wes’s position. The ceremony would consist of Cam, Jenn, and the other betas. Then Cam would introduce her to her new unit and talk through any issues that might arise, and then he’d introduce her to the rest of the pack in her new role.
Maybe then things in the pack would settle down a little.
From his vantage point, Gareth observed Cam as he spoke to the others. He seemed a little brighter around the eyes than he had on Monday morning. Something had eased the tension he carried with him these days, and as much as Gareth wanted to believe he was the cause, he suspected that wasn’t the case; their potential bond wasn’t calming. In fact, it was anything but—for Gareth anyway.
He sighed, and Cam shot a quick glance over at him before calling the meeting to an end. “I think we’ve covered everything. If any problems arise between now and Monday, don’t hesitate to come to me. Otherwise, enjoy the full moon run, and we’ll meet Monday night after my visit to the prison.”
Everyone stood to leave, but when Gareth went to follow, Cam stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Wait for a second?”
That one simple touch burned like a brand even through the material of his T-shirt. Giving in to the urge, he leaned into it and sighed. “Of course.”
When Cam’s front door clicked shut and they were alone, Gareth took a step towards him, needing to be closer.
Cam slipped a hand around the back of his head and drew him down into the crook of his neck. “I know this is hard for you.”
Gareth inhaled, Cam’s scent strong and intoxicating, and he wanted to bite him so badly his whole jaw ached. “Do you?” Surely, if Cam knew how close Gareth was to letting his fangs slide out and taking what he wanted, he wouldn’t hold him this close?
“Yes.” He rubbed his other hand up and down Gareth’s spine, soothing rather than sensual. But Gareth would take it. “And the full moon being three days away just makes everything worse.” He paused, and Gareth was sure he felt the prick of claws on his back. “For both of us.”
“If you feel that way too, then what’s the problem?” Gareth pulled back to meet Cam’s gaze. “What are we waiting for?”
Cam’s sigh felt like a punch to Gareth’s gut. “I need time, Gareth.” He ran his thumb across Gareth’s cheekbone, and Gareth s
hivered. “This isn’t a decision I can make lightly, not when it affects so many people.”
“We’re the only ones that matter.” He knew it was the wrong thing to say as soon as the words slipped out.
Cam’s pained expression confirmed it. “As alpha of this pack, the decisions I make are never just about me.” He stepped back, putting a little space between them, and Gareth’s wolf whined in protest.
Reaching for Cam’s hand, Gareth linked their fingers. “I know. I’m sorry I said that.”
“That doesn’t mean I won’t choose an option that makes me happy. Even if it makes things complicated as far as the rest of the pack is concerned. It just means I have to consider all the possible ramifications beforehand. We need to be prepared.”
The ‘we’ made Gareth’s belly flutter and his chest tightened. He squeezed Cam’s hand, then forced himself to let go and move away.
“I’ve waited this long for you.” He clenched his hands to stop reaching for him again and walked backwards towards the door. “I can wait as long as you need.”
Cam’s answering smile was everything. “Thank you.”
GARETH MADE his way back to his building in a kind of daze and almost knocked Rachel flying as she came out of the front door. “Shit, sorry!” He grabbed her by the shoulders to steady her. “Back from work?”
Smiling, she said, “Moving into my flat on my lunch break.”
Now she was working with Gareth’s unit, it made sense for her to move into the vacant flat in his building. It also made Gareth feel a whole lot more charitable towards her now she no longer shared Cam’s home. He even managed a genuine smile.
She snorted. “I see I’m not the only one who’s happy I’ve got my own place.”
Gareth immediately looked down at the ground, guiltily. “I’m sorry I’ve been a bit of an arse.” That was probably an understatement.
She patted his hand. “It’s okay, I get it.” Stepping back and smoothing out her clothes, she smirked at him. “But maybe now you’ll accept that I don’t have designs on your mate.”
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